The eThekwini Municipality has taken a significant step to address water shortages and concerns over outsourced water tanker services by investing about R345 million in its own fleet. The municipality currently operates 318 water tankers, with an additional 43 expected to be added by the end of the year, bringing the total fleet to 361. This move aims to strengthen the municipality's internal capacity to respond to water shortages, particularly in areas with limited water infrastructure.
The decision to bring the water tanker service in-house was made after concerns were raised about the amount of money spent on outsourcing the service. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba stated that the move would help address alleged wrongdoing linked to the outsourced service and improve the municipality's response to communities experiencing water shortages. The expanded fleet is expected to strengthen the municipality's ability to deliver essential services and reduce response times when communities experience water shortages.
The announcement comes as the Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticized the municipality's handling of water services, citing rising water losses and increased spending on water tankers. DA eThekwini mayoral candidate Haniff Hoosen stated that the city was losing about 65% of its water by June 2026, compared to 48.9% in 2021. He also claimed that spending on water tankers had increased from R102.6 million to R814.8 million, highlighting the need for improved water infrastructure and management.
The DA has also called for the suspension of the municipality's Head of Water and Sanitation, Ednick Msweli, citing the department's performance and alleged failure to address water challenges. According to the DA, the city's water challenges demonstrate a failure by the ANC-led administration to maintain and improve the municipality's water infrastructure. The DA's concerns highlight the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of the municipality's water services.
Mayor Cyril Xaba emphasized that the water tankers are serving as an interim measure for communities experiencing water shortages while the city continues to upgrade infrastructure and augment water supply across eThekwini. The municipality's investment in its own water tanker fleet is expected to improve its ability to respond to water shortages and reduce reliance on outsourced services. The move is also seen as a step towards addressing allegations of wrongdoing linked to the outsourced service.
The eThekwini Municipality's investment in its water tanker fleet is part of a broader effort to improve its water services and address the city's water challenges. The municipality is working to upgrade its water infrastructure and augment its water supply, with a focus on reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of its water services. The DA's concerns over water losses and spending on water tankers highlight the need for continued efforts to improve the municipality's water management.
The eThekwini Municipality's move to bring its water tanker service in-house is seen as a positive step towards improving its water services and addressing the city's water challenges. With a focus on reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of its water services, the municipality is working to provide better services to its communities. The investment in its own water tanker fleet is a key part of this effort, and is expected to have a positive impact on the municipality's ability to respond to water shortages and deliver essential services.
Key points
- eThekwini Municipality invests R345 million in 361 water tankers to address water shortages and allegations of wrongdoing linked to outsourced service.
- The municipality aims to strengthen its internal capacity to respond to water shortages, particularly in areas with limited water infrastructure.
- The DA has criticized the municipality's handling of water services, citing rising water losses and increased spending on water tankers.
